The ruptured PIP breast implant

Clin Radiol. 2013 Aug;68(8):845-50. doi: 10.1016/j.crad.2013.03.012. Epub 2013 Apr 25.

Abstract

Public concern erupted about the safety of Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) breast implants when it was revealed in 2011 that they contained an inferior, unlicensed industrial-grade silicone associated with a high rate of rupture. There followed national guidance for UK clinicians, which led to a considerable increase in referrals of asymptomatic women for breast implant assessment. In this review we discuss possible approaches to screening the PIP cohort and the salient characteristics of a ruptured implant.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Implants / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Mammography
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Prosthesis Failure*
  • Silicone Gels / adverse effects*
  • Ultrasonography, Mammary / methods*
  • United Kingdom

Substances

  • Silicone Gels